Commemorative paving stones will be laid in the towns and cities of every VC soldier in the country. Records show 21 hail from Greater Manchester and all of them will be honoured with the tributes.

Kiara and her classmates used the project to study the gallant stories of VC recipients Edward Bradbury, from Altrincham , and John Marshall, from Stretford .

Capt Bradbury continued to fight off an enemy attack in Nery, France, despite losing a leg in a shell attack as he ran for more ammunition. He died during the battle in September, 1914.

Acting Lt Col Marshall was 31 and attached to the Lancashire Fusiliers. He was awarded the VC for gallantry and leadership when he organised the repair of a damaged bridge near Catillon, France, under heavy fire. He later attempted a charge across the completed bridge, but was killed.

Kiara’s design depicts three lions to mark bravery.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles announced the winners at a gala event in London.

Charlie MacKeith, an architect from London, won the overall competition. Kiara won the overall contest for primary schools – and her school on Cherry Lane will receive an engraved paving stone.

Kiara, from Sale, said: “I didn’t expect to win. The design just popped into my head after I thought about my country, the war and the bravery of the soldiers. It has been really interesting to learn about the war and I am looking forward to seeing the finished paving stone. I love art and drawing and my mum and dad are really chuffed.”

Art teacher Angela Gavin said: “We researched all the local VC recipients and it was a wonderful exercise for the pupils. They were really interested. Kiara’s design was completely freehand and she is very talented. The whole school is incredibly proud of her.”

The first paving stones will be laid in August next year to represent the date that the first two Victoria Crosses were awarded in the First World War.

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